Describes attending a lecture by William Thackeray at Chapin's church. Transcription: [William Makepeace Thacke]ray lecture, having taken a ticket for the course of the Mercantile. By eight o'clock, the time at which the Lecture commenced, the church was everywhere filled, many beu persons standing. I saw [James] Parton there. Sitting in my pew, beside an amiably faced young fellow, and feeling very lonely, I thought of the contrast presented by the present aspect of my life and that of the lecturer. I, standing on a four poor dollars, which surface is rapidly lessening, being nibbled away by
Describes attending a lecture by William Thackeray at Chapin's church. Transcription: [William Makepeace Thacke]ray lecture, having taken a ticket for the course of the Mercantile. By eight o'clock, the time at which the Lecture commenced, the church was everywhere filled, many beu persons standing. I saw [James] Parton there. Sitting in my pew, beside an amiably faced young fellow, and feeling very lonely, I thought of the contrast presented by the present aspect of my life and that of the lecturer. I, standing on a four poor dollars, which surface is rapidly lessening, being nibbled away by Time, day by day, am half hopelessly scribbling, ? he, wise, and successful, has achieved the highest sort in the craft, ? beside Charles Dickens. Thackeray is a tall, large, firmly built man, with flowing white hair, and healthy color, ? I could not distinguish his features. He reads well, without attempting eloquence. The subject of the Lecture was George the First, of England. I shall not attempt to Boswellize it, tempting as the opportunity is, for I should but do it indifferent justice. [2. Friday through 3. Saturday] Wretchedness continued. Sometimes writing on fiercely, sometimes unable to pen a line. Thinking of [William] North's suicide, not with any intention of doing the same, but a horrid dread of being unable to preserve any reason and then ?. [Matthew] Whitelaw up once. A letter from home delivered on Saturday afternoon. From my mother [Naomi Butler Gunn], and my sisters [Naomi and Rosa Gunn]. There letters speak of cou pleasant country rambles; of Kenilworth, Stratford on Avon, Edge Hil, the prettiest of all pretty villages ? Great Tew, and of Chacombe. They write kind, sunny letters, and both praise Hannah [Bennett]. How lovely, from this, my lonely room, [word crossed out] looks that fair, peaceful England, Title: Thomas Butler Gunn Diaries: Volume 7, page 163, November 1-3, 1855 . 1 November 1855. Gunn, Thomas Butler, 1826-1903
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